Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill admits he has been lucky with injuries so far this season.
Villa boss happy squad has stayed fit
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill admits he has been lucky with injuries so far this season.
John Carew was sidelined for seven weeks with knee ligament damage but Villa have suffered no other major setbacks.
O'Neill concedes that his squad lacks strength in depth, but he plans to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Villa have four games to negotiate in ten days over the festive period, and O'Neill hopes his key players can steer clear of injuries until the New Year arrives.
"We've been lucky with injuries but we now have four games in quick succession and I'm sure a few players will be used," he said.
"It would be hard to sustain the squad we have with the sort of injuries other clubs have had - but that sort of thing is always just around the corner.
"Luckily we have a very good medical staff here which is just as well because it's unavoidable. It's part and parcel of the game but it's something we want to address in January.
"At this time last year we had injuries and couldn't cope and even had to take a keeper on loan (Gabor Kiraly).
"For January, we think things aren't moving too badly. All I would say is we would be trying to pursue some avenues."
Salifou praise
O'Neill does at least have plenty of options in midfield, with summer signing Moustapha Salifou pushing for inclusion after impressing for the reserves.
He explained: "I want competition in the middle of the field. Moustapha Salifou is doing very well and his fitness has improved immensely.
"He's done exceptionally well in the reserve team and he won't be too far away so that's encouraging.
"We also had Isaiah Osbourne back on Saturday at Sunderland and, in terms of competition in midfield, there's competition for places which is encouraging despite the size of the squad."
